Congressman Deluzio Announces $3.6 Million in Federal Grants to Support 15 Western PA Fire Departments

CARNEGIE, PA - Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that fifteen Western Pennsylvania fire departments are receiving a total of nearly $3.6 million in federal grant funding to support their public safety work. Many of these grant awards were successful following Congressman Deluzio's office's direct advocacy for this funding to come to Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided the funding via the Department of Homeland Security's Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs.

A total of $3,594,533.98 in federal funding is coming to fifteen fire departments in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District. The majority of the funding awards will help thirteen Western PA fire departments purchase critical equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources through the AFG program. Two other departments will receive close to $1 million to support their firefighter recruitment and retention efforts through the SAFER program.

"I'm excited to announce that I've helped bring federal funding home to help Western Pennsylvania fire departments do the hard work to keep all of us safe," said Congressman Deluzio. "These grants will help our local fire departments buy equipment, get new gear, and better recruit and retain the firefighters they need on the job. Our first responders show up for all of us in our times of need-I will always have their backs. I encourage other fire departments in Western Pennsylvania to apply for this funding-my office stands ready to support your applications as best we can."

"New Brighton Borough and Fire Department officials are immensely grateful to Congressman Deluzio and his staff for his ongoing support and advocacy in securing this critical federal funding for the New Brighton Fire Department," said Tom Albanese, Borough Manager of New Brighton. "Replacing our aging apparatus with a modern, state-of-the-art fire engine ensures our dedicated firefighters have the essential equipment needed to protect our residents and merchants. This substantial grant provides a vital boost to our local emergency services while easing the financial burden on the New Brighton community."

The full list of grant awardees is as follows:

Assistance to Firefighters Grant recipients

1. Brighton Township Volunteer Fire Department - $877,695.23
2. Community Ambulance Service (Franklin) - $191,013.63
3. West Deer Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3 - $65,723.80
4. Citizens Hose Co. (Natrona Heights) - $95,238.09
5. Harrison Hills Volunteer Fire Co. (Natrona Heights) - $30,923.80
6. Borough of New Brighton - $869,416.95
7. Oakmont Borough - $197,476.19
8. Reserve Volunteer Fire Dept. - $35,571.42
9. Bellevue Borough - $91,428.57
10. Edgewood Volunteer Fire Dept. - $59,771.42
11. Seville Volunteer Fire Co (Ross) - $54,772.72
12. Neptune Fire Co. No. 1 (Richland) - $29,852.38
13. Southern Allegheny Valley Emergency Services (Sharpsburg) - $17,638.90
    

Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant recipients

1. West View Volunteer Fire Dept. - $550,010.88
2. Berkeley Hills Fire Co. (Ross) - $428,000

Many other fire departments in Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District are eligible and encouraged to apply for this grant. Interested departments should connect with Emma Dawson, Grants and Outreach Coordinator, in his Carnegie Office by emailing [email protected].

Congressman Deluzio will continue to support local first responders by advocating for federal funding like this and through legislation including his Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act.

Recipients of federal grants who are having issues accessing lawfully appropriated funds should reach out to Congressman Deluzio's office at [email protected].

###